Was reading the last post and was disappointed that the movie opinions did not have better descriptions. I definitely need to focus on editing and writing style. Well, at least I tell myself that its a work in progress. So, I'm trying not to judge myself too harshly.
This week, people (and the media) are discussing Pope John Paul's death and are examining his extensive legacy. Like the general public, I've been catching up with the news about his life accomplishments, the funeral, and the speculation who will be the next Pope. Obviously, Catholics, as well as non-Catholics, are mourning his passing. Coming from a former Catholic background, I can understand the relevance here.
After reading about him and hearing how people felt about him, I realized that he was such a caring individual who loved people and valued them as God's children. In DC, I drove by city streets where federal building flags are at half staff and where embassies are also honoring this popular religious leader by displaying their flags in the same manner. Even an acquaintance that I met on the local commuter bus was talking about his great works to me. I'm really impressed how the topic of the Gospel has been brought up in everyday conversations. He did much for the world and committed to do God's work. He worked extensively for peace and freedom and visited the poor and rejected. He and another contemporary
Mother Teresa served as examples of humility, compassion, and peace.
Plenty of people knew about the attempted murder on his life in 1979, and later they knew about his encounter with the man who tried to kill him (Mehmet Ali Ağca). Amazingly, Pope John Paul II talked with him and forgave him of this morbid act. If you really think about it, that is such an authentic display of agape "love". He was a brave man to show that kind of love. You hear stories about how victims of serious crimes get the shakes or how fear grips them before meeting with perpetrators. He tried to follow Christ's example of the forgiveness of transgressions of others.
I wonder if he was uncertain or had second thoughts, if he felt any anxiety, or if he paused before walking into that jail cell. Ultimately, he offered forgiveness to Agca. Later, I recalled watching news video footage of the two men sitting in a jail cell laughing as though they were sharing a joke as two common friends. Truly amazing. His life was dedicated to serve as a Christian example and show Christ is the way.
BTW, I hope to travel to the Vatican in the near future and check out St Peter's Basilica. My father visited the city-state years ago when he was in the Navy, and an aunt (a nun) stopped by the area during her Golden Jubilee celebration vacation.
Today's verse:
Psalm 32:1 (New Living Translation)
Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put
out of sight!
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